FAQ
Children's Complete Checkups
When should my child have their first dental checkup?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. Early checkups help prevent cavities and establish a positive dental routine.
How often should my child see the dentist?
Children should visit the dentist every six months for a routine checkup and professional cleaning. Regular visits allow early detection of dental issues and help reinforce healthy oral habits.
What happens during a pediatric dental checkup?
A typical children’s dental checkup includes a gentle cleaning, a thorough exam, possible fluoride treatment, and dental X-rays if needed. The dentist will also evaluate your child’s oral growth and development, checking for proper tooth alignment and jaw development. Additionally, we provide oral hygiene tips and dietary recommendations to help maintain a healthy smile.
Why are baby teeth important if they eventually fall out?
Baby teeth guide the development of permanent teeth and support speech and chewing. Healthy baby teeth help prevent future alignment issues and reduce the risk of early tooth decay.
What can I do to prepare my child for their dental visit?
To make their first dental checkup stress-free, talk about the visit in a positive way, read books about going to the dentist, and choose a kid-friendly dental office with a welcoming environment.
Are dental X-rays safe for kids?
Yes! We use digital X-rays, which have the lowest radiation levels for safe imaging.
How can I prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
Encourage daily brushing and flossing, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and schedule regular dental cleanings and fluoride treatments to keep your child’s teeth cavity-free.
When should my child start using toothpaste with fluoride?
Children can start using fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first tooth appears, using a rice-sized amount for toddlers under 3 and a pea-sized amount for kids aged 3-6. For families choosing to avoid fluoride, remineralizing alternatives like nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste can also help strengthen enamel and protect teeth. Our team is happy to discuss the best options for your child’s oral health based on your preferences.
What if my child is afraid of the dentist?
A pediatric dentist specializes in making dental visits fun and anxiety-free. Choosing a kid-friendly dental office with gentle care, engaging distractions, and positive reinforcement can help ease your child’s fear.
Pediatric Dentistry
When should my child first see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by age one or when their first tooth appears.
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Children should have a dental checkup every six months for cleanings, exams, and preventive care.
Are dental X-rays safe for kids?
Yes! We use digital X-rays, which have the lowest radiation levels for safe imaging.
What are the benefits of no-shot dentistry?
Our laser and no-shot techniques provide minimally invasive, pain-free treatments without the need for traditional anesthesia.
How can I help prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
Encourage daily brushing and flossing, limit sugary snacks, and schedule fluoride treatments and sealants for added protection. For fluoride-free parents, you can also use another remineralizing toothpaste like nano-hydroxyapatite.
Does my child need a frenectomy?
If your child has feeding difficulties, speech delays, or tongue mobility issues, a quick, gentle frenectomy can help.
Why is airway-focused dentistry important?
Airway-conscious dentistry helps identify mouth breathing, tongue ties, and sleep-disordered breathing early to support healthy facial and jaw development.
What happens if my child has a dental emergency?
We offer same-day emergency appointments to assess and manage toothaches, broken teeth, and other urgent dental concerns. During the visit, our team will evaluate your child’s condition, provide immediate relief if possible, and discuss the next steps for treatment. While some issues can be treated the same day, others may require a follow-up appointment to ensure the best long-term outcome for your child’s dental health.
How can I prepare my child for their first dental visit?
Use positive language, read books about the dentist, and choose a kid-friendly pediatric dental office like Kidstown Dental!
Pediatric Crowns
Why does my child need a dental crown instead of a filling?
Crowns are recommended for larger cavities or weakened teeth where a regular filling wouldn’t be strong enough.
Are white crowns available for baby teeth?
Yes! We offer tooth-colored crowns that blend naturally with your child’s smile.
Is getting a crown painful for kids?
Not at all! We use gentle techniques and advanced technology to make the procedure as comfortable and stress-free as possible for your child. Our team takes a kid-friendly approach to ensure a positive experience during treatment.
How long do pediatric dental crowns last?
Crowns on baby teeth typically last until the tooth naturally falls out, though in some cases, heavy grinding or excessive wear may require replacement. For permanent teeth, crowns can last for many years with proper care and regular dental checkups. Our team will monitor your child’s crown at each visit to ensure it remains strong and functional.
Will my child be able to eat normally after getting a crown?
Yes! After a short adjustment period, your child will be able to eat and chew comfortably.
What’s the difference between stainless steel and white crowns?
Stainless steel crowns are a durable, cost-effective choice commonly used for back teeth, where strength and longevity are the priority. Tooth-colored crowns, such as zirconia, may be an option for certain teeth, particularly in more visible areas. However, not all teeth or patients are candidates for white crowns, especially for molars, where durability is essential. During your child’s visit, our team will assess their specific needs and discuss the best crown option to ensure both function and aesthetics.
How do I care for my child’s dental crown?
Encourage daily brushing and flossing, avoid sticky or hard foods, and attend regular checkups to keep the crown in great shape.
Can my child get a dental crown in one visit?
Yes! We provide same-day crowns in some cases, ensuring quick and effective treatment.
Are crowns covered by dental insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover crowns for medically necessary cases—our team can help check your coverage.
What if my child’s dental crown falls out?
Contact us as soon as possible, and we will schedule a visit to replace or repair your child’s crown as quickly as we can. Our team will assess the situation and determine the best course of action to restore their smile.
Sedation Dentistry
Is sedation dentistry safe for kids?
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe when administered by trained professionals. Our board-certified pediatric dentists use strict safety measures and advanced monitoring equipment.
Will my child be asleep during sedation?
It depends on the type of sedation. Laughing gas keeps children awake but relaxed, while IV sedation induces a deeper level of relaxation where they may lightly sleep.
How long does sedation last?
Laughing gas wears off within minutes after treatment, while IV sedation may take a few hours to fully wear off.
Can my child eat before sedation?
We will provide specific fasting instructions based on the type of sedation your child will receive. The required fasting period varies, with IV sedation typically requiring 6-8 hours of no food or drink. Our team will ensure you have clear, detailed guidelines before the procedure.
Will my child remember the procedure?
With IV sedation, children have little to no memory of the procedure, while laughing gas allows them to remain aware but relaxed.
What if my child has dental anxiety?
Sedation is one of the best solutions for dental anxiety, helping children feel calm and comfortable while building positive dental experiences.
How do I prepare my child for sedation?
We will provide pre-sedation guidelines, including fasting instructions, and recommend calm reassurance to make them feel safe and secure.
What happens after my child’s sedation?
After sedation, we monitor your child until they are fully awake. Most children recover quickly and can resume normal activities by the next day.
Is sedation covered by insurance?
Some dental insurance plans cover sedation, especially for medically necessary treatments. Our team can help check your coverage.
How do I know if my child needs sedation?
If your child experiences dental anxiety, difficulty sitting still, or requires extensive treatment, sedation may be a great option to help them feel comfortable and relaxed.
Special Needs Pediatric Dentistry
How do you accommodate children with sensory sensitivities?
We provide a quiet, sensory-friendly environment with private rooms and a calm atmosphere to help children feel at ease. Our team takes a gentle approach, creating a comfortable space where every child feels safe and supported during their visit.
What sedation options are available for children with special needs?
We offer mild sedation (laughing gas) and IV sedation to ensure comfortable, stress-free treatments for children who need extra support.
Can my child have a trial visit before treatment?
Yes! We offer a specialized program for practice visits, allowing your child to explore the office, meet our friendly team, and get comfortable in a stress-free setting before treatment. These familiarization visits help build confidence and create a positive dental experience from the start.
How do you help children with autism feel comfortable at the dentist?
We use gentle communication, visual aids, and a step-by-step approach, ensuring each child feels safe and supported throughout their visit.
Are special needs dental services covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover special needs dentistry, especially if sedation or additional accommodations are required. We can help verify your coverage.
How should I handle a dental emergency for my child?
We provide same-day emergency appointments and offer special accommodations to ensure fast, gentle care.
How do you handle children who have difficulty sitting still?
We offer longer, no-rush appointments and use sedation options when necessary to help children feel comfortable during treatment.
Can you accommodate children who are nonverbal or have communication challenges?
Absolutely. Our team is trained in alternative communication methods, including visual supports and nonverbal cues, to ensure effective and compassionate care.
Do you provide dental care for children with mobility challenges?
Yes. Our office is wheelchair accessible, and we provide customized care for children with physical disabilities.
How can I prepare my child for their dental visit?
We recommend reading books about the dentist, watching videos, and visiting the office ahead of time to create familiarity and ease any anxiety.
Infant & Child Frenectomies
How do I know if my baby needs a frenectomy?
If your baby struggles with breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or has trouble latching, a tongue or lip tie assessment is recommended.
Will a tongue or lip tie go away on its own?
No, tongue and lip ties do not resolve on their own and may lead to feeding, speech, and dental issues if left untreated.
Is laser frenectomy painful for infants and children?
Not at all! Our procedure is quick and gentle, with minimal discomfort and a faster recovery than traditional methods.
How long does the procedure take?
A laser frenectomy typically takes less than a minute per site, depending on your child’s comfort and cooperation. The entire appointment is usually completed in under 30 minutes, ensuring a quick and stress-free experience.
What should I expect after my child’s frenectomy?
Your child may experience mild discomfort for a day or two, but healing is fast and smooth with proper aftercare.
Will my child need speech therapy after a frenectomy?
Some children benefit from speech therapy or oral exercises after a frenectomy to retrain tongue movement and improve speech clarity.
Does a tongue or lip tie affect my child’s teeth?
Yes! A lip-tie can create a gap between the front teeth, and a tongue-tie may impact jaw and dental development if untreated.
Can an older child still benefit from a frenectomy?
Absolutely! Older children who have speech difficulties, orthodontic concerns, or restricted tongue movement can see significant improvement.
Will my insurance cover a frenectomy?
Many dental and medical insurance plans cover frenectomy procedures, especially when medically necessary. We can help check your coverage!
How soon can my baby feed after the procedure?
Babies can typically breastfeed or bottle-feed immediately after the procedure, often with noticeable improvement in latch and comfort.
Myofunctional Therapy
What is myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is an exercise-based program designed to improve oral muscle function, tongue posture, and breathing patterns.
How does myofunctional therapy help with breathing issues?
Proper tongue positioning and muscle function help children transition from mouth breathing to nasal breathing, improving airway health and sleep quality.
Can myofunctional therapy help with speech delays?
Yes. Strengthening oral muscles and improving tongue posture can enhance speech clarity and articulation.
What age should my child start myofunctional therapy?
Children as young as three years old can benefit, but it’s effective at any age, especially if oral habits or breathing issues are present.
Does my child need a referral for myofunctional therapy?
No. If you notice signs like mouth breathing, speech difficulties, or thumb-sucking, we can evaluate your child and recommend therapy.
How long does myofunctional therapy take?
Treatment length varies but typically lasts a few months to a year, depending on the child’s needs and progress.
Is myofunctional therapy a replacement for orthodontics?
Not necessarily. Myofunctional therapy can prevent or reduce the severity of orthodontic issues, but some children may still need braces.
Can my child do the exercises at home?
Yes! We provide easy, fun exercises to reinforce therapy and accelerate progress between visits.
How do I know if my child needs myofunctional therapy?
If your child has open-mouth posture, trouble swallowing, frequent snoring, or speech delays, an evaluation can determine if therapy is needed.
Is myofunctional therapy covered by insurance?
Some dental and medical insurance plans may cover therapy, depending on your child’s condition. Our team can help verify your coverage.
Pediatric Emergencies
What are your emergency dental hours?
We are available Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM. For severe emergencies, special arrangements may be available.
Do you accept insurance for emergency visits?
Yes, we accept BCBS, MetLife, Cigna, UHC, and many other major dental insurance plans.
What if my child needs emergency care after hours?
Contact our office for emergency care instructions, and we will help direct you to appropriate treatment options.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?
- Keep the tooth moist (place it in milk or your child’s saliva).
- Avoid touching the root and bring the tooth to our office immediately for the best chance of saving it.
How do I handle a severe toothache?
- Rinse with warm water and check for food stuck between teeth.
- Apply a cold compress and contact our office for an urgent appointment.
Can a broken baby tooth be repaired?
Yes. Depending on the severity, we may use bonding, crowns, or other treatments to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
How do I prevent dental emergencies in children?
- Encourage wearing mouthguards during sports.
- Teach good oral hygiene to prevent cavities and infections.
- Avoid hard candies and ice chewing to prevent broken teeth.
When should I bring my child in for an emergency visit?
Seek immediate care if your child has severe pain, swelling, a knocked-out tooth, or unco
Are baby teeth injuries as serious as permanent teeth injuries?
Yes. Untreated baby tooth injuries can lead to infection, pain, and potential problems with permanent teeth.
Can you provide sedation for emergency treatments?
Yes. We offer laughing gas and IV sedation to ensure comfortable, stress-free treatment for anxious or sensitive children.
Pediatric Dentists Proudly Serving Katy, TX
Call (346) 768-0292 or schedule online to book your visit—we’ll be in touch soon!